Wrongful Death
Over 35 years of experience. Over $100 million recovered for clients.
New Jersey Wrongful Death Attorneys
NEW JERSEY WRONGFUL DEATH: TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Wrongful Death and Car Accidents
- Wrongful Death Laws in New Jersey
- Common Accidents That Can Lead To Death
- Call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Today - Get the Justice You Deserve
Dealing with the untimely loss of a loved one is devastating, no matter the circumstances of their death. But what if the death occurred due to the reckless, careless or even deliberate actions of another party? Wrongful deaths are fatal accidents that could have been prevented if the individuals, businesses or organizations involved had been reasonably careful or had not engaged in wrongdoing.
While a wrongful death lawsuit will not bring a loved one back, it may be possible to seek compensation for the emotional and financial losses that are likely to result from their unanticipated passing. The experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorneys at Todd J. Leonard Law Firm will strive to help you and your family receive just compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Wrongful Death and Car Accidents
One of the leading causes of wrongful deaths is accidents caused by negligence on highways and roads, whether it is distracted drivers or hazardous conditions. Data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation shows that there were 571 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the state in 2016, an increase from 522 in 2015. Such accidents can involve cars, motorcycles, buses and trucks, as well as pedestrians.
Dangerous Roadways and Fatal Medical Errors
One of the leading causes of wrongful deaths is accidents caused by negligence on highways and roads, whether it is distracted drivers or hazardous conditions. Data from the New Jersey Department of Transportation shows that there were 571 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the state in 2016, an increase from 522 in 2015. Such accidents can involve cars, motorcycles, buses and trucks, as well as pedestrians.
Everyday activities like driving to work or crossing the street can turn dangerous when others engage in careless behavior. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 27 percent of the 35,092 nationwide traffic fatalities in 2015 involved speeding. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 15 percent of fatalities arising from motor vehicle crashes, marking a 9.5 percent increase from 2014. Meanwhile, 4,067 people were killed in truck accidents in 2015.
Medical mistakes are also to blame for thousands of wrongful deaths each year as they are the third leading cause of death in the United States. The Journal of Patient Safety reported that around 440,000 Americans die each year from preventable hospital errors such as botched surgeries, medication mistakes or misdiagnoses.
Wrongful Death Laws in New Jersey
A wrongful death can occur due to various types of fatal accidents, but the result is always the same — an irreplaceable loss suffered by the victim’s surviving loved ones. Although no amount of compensation will ever come close to replacing a deceased family member, it can help ease the financial burden caused by a wrongful death.
As a result, it is important to understand what legal options are available to you and your family in the aftermath of a wrongful death. There are two types of New Jersey wrongful death lawsuits — pecuniary losses and survival action.
Pecuniary Losses
A pecuniary claim is the most common type of wrongful death claim. It is filed on behalf of a victim’s family following a fatal accident. The aim of the lawsuit is to seek compensation to pay for various expenses like funeral costs, medical bills, property losses and the loss of future expected income.
The wrongful death attorneys at Todd J. Leonard Law Firm work closely with numerous experts such as forensic accountants and economists to determine the full extent and nature of the financial and emotional losses incurred by the family. There are many factors to consider, including lost earnings as well as the loss of guidance, counsel and companionship.
Survival Action
The second type of wrongful death claim is known as a survival action. It occurs when the victim does not die immediately after sustaining an injury. In a survival action lawsuit, the family pursues additional compensation for the conscious pain and suffering the victim endured between the accident and the time of death.
Family members can seek compensation on behalf of the deceased person. If awarded, it becomes part of their estate. This is known as the survival action.
Our experienced New Jersey wrongful death lawyers will examine all relevant evidence including eyewitness accounts, medical records and other crucial information. We also retain experts such as anesthesiologists and forensic pathologists to establish the key components of the wrongful death claim.
Wide Range of Wrongful Death Claims
Under the New Jersey Wrongful Death Act, family members who were financially dependent on the deceased individual have a right to file a wrongful death claim for damages. The law provides compensation for the financial support they would have received had the wrongful death victim been alive. Surviving family members who are entitled to take legal action may include:
• Spouses
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings
Common Accidents That Can Lead To Death
The State of New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety reported a total of 502 accidents with 524 fatalities in New Jersey for 2021. The 15.7% increase also revealed how the victims were mainly drivers and pedestrians.
According to a recent study, 30% of New Jersey workers less than 25 years of age were involved in a fatal transportation accident.
Common occurrences can result in wrongful death. These include:
Thorough Accident Investigation
Wrongful death cases require an extensive amount of research. Todd J. Leonard and the team of experienced New Jersey wrongful death attorneys understand the importance of conducting an immediate investigation into the details of a fatal accident. Each wrongful death case is unique and requires a prompt and exhaustive analysis into the causes of your loved one’s death.
We carefully examine all of the facts related to the case, including witness statements and fatal accident reports. Preserving any evidence associated with the cause of death is crucial. Using all the resources available, our wrongful death lawyers will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the outstanding representation you deserve.
A proven track record of success
Call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm Today - Get the Justice You Deserve
We respect the importance of the grieving process after a death in the family. We encourage you to consult us to find out whether you may be entitled to financial compensation for the death of your loved one.
Working together as a team, we will do our best to protect your interests. Call the dedicated New Jersey wrongful death lawyers at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm today and schedule a free confidential case evaluation as soon as possible.